JANUARY 18, 2017, NEW YORK, NY–The Doe Fund today announced its support for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s“Affordable New York” housing program, which will expand the construction and availability of affordable housing and provide fair wages for construction workers.

Under the program, developers of new residential projects of 300 units or more in select areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, would be eligible for a full property tax abatement for 35 years if they create a specific number of rental units to remain affordable for 40 years, and pay construction workers an enhanced average wage and benefits.

The Doe Fund’s founder and president, George T. McDonald, praised the Governor for his perseverance and focus on ensuring more New Yorkers have access to affordable housing.

“Governor Cuomo’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing is about much more than building apartments,” noted McDonald, “it’s about a safer, more equitable New York for all.”

“Plentiful, affordable housing is critical to solve some of the challenges facing our poorest communities— and our state as a whole: homelessness, poverty, crime, drug abuse, and recidivism,” he continued. “Solutions to those problems begin with safe, stable housing for the people affected by them. The Doe Fund stands with the Governor on this critical issue and urges the Legislature to act on his recommendations.”

The Doe Fund develops and operates affordable and supportive housing for vulnerable populations including formerly homeless individuals, low-income seniors and families, populations with disabilities, and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Founded in 1985, The Doe Fund provides life-transforming services for the homeless, the formerly incarcerated, disenfranchised youth, and people living with AIDS.
The organization's flagship Ready, Willing & Able program has helped tens of thousands of individuals achieve permanent self sufficiency through paid work, transitional housing, and employment training.